the WINE GUY
I ’m not sure about you, but these days my diet has shifted predominantly to grains and greens, complemented by grilled fish and seafood. Anything, really, that is light and easy — and allows me to beat the heat of the kitchen.
Needless to say, this gastronomic move has also prompted a change in my wine patterns. No surprises here, it’s pretty much been out with the heavy, full-bodied reds and in with lighter, crisp and refreshing whites. White wines like these three summer savvy bottles:
Boutari 2016 Moschofilero, Greece ($15.49 limited time offer until Sept. 2, #177154)
I’ve long been a fan of this quirky and aromatic white, so it was great to find a new vintage has landed on local shelves. Moschofilero (pronounced more or less “mos ko fee lay ro”) is a grape indigenous to Greece, grown mostly in the country’s Peloponnese region. As the front label helpfully states, Boutari sources their Moschofilero from old-vine, higheraltitude vineyards — and the result is an engaging, fresh, floral and citrusy wine that packs an impressive and flavourful punch for its lower 11-percent alcohol level. It’s great paired simply with a patio, but also works well with a multitude of seafood dishes.
Bottom line: B+. Great patio partner.
Evolve Cellars 2016 Pinot Blanc, B.C. ($15.99, available through the winery and select private stores)
In a few short years, Summerland’s Evolve Cellars has amassed a formidable lineup of fruit-forward and food-friendly whites, rosés, reds and bubbles. Their newest vintage of Pinot Blanc offers a good example of their approach thanks to an abundance of orchard fruit aromas and an easygoing style overall met by a crisp finish. This is an easy everyday meal companion, whether Cobb salad or prawn souvlaki is on the menu.
Bottom line: B. Food pairing multitasker.
Weingut Karp-Schreiber 2015 My Karp Riesling, Germany ($18.99 limited time offer until Sept. 2, #543967)
From a family-owned winery that remarkably dates back to 1664, My Karp arrives as a fun and accessible Riesling ready to help tame summer’s heat. It’s easy to like the wine’s exuberant citrus and mineral aromas, not to mention the fresh, but robust texture and peach fruit. It’s offdry with evident residual sugars, yet ample acidity keeps everything nicely balanced overall before a crisp, tart finish. A glass with takeout fish and chips on the back deck makes an admirable (and easy) meal, as would a grilled vegetable-topped quinoa bowl. Bottom line: B. Lip smacking.